Same-Sex Marriage Laws Around The Globe (PHOTOS): Nations That Have Approved Gay Marriage

Argentina's same-sex marriage vote Thursday made it the first country in Latin America to give gays and lesbians the full legal rights, responsibilities and protections that marriage brings to heterosexual couples.

Despite an overwhelming Catholic population, Argentine opinion polls consistently showed that citizens supported gay marriage. Though the approval in Argentina's senate was not staggering -- lawmakers voted 33-27 for the proposal, with abstentions -- it is expected to become law within days.

Argentina now joins the ranks of a small number of mostly European nations with similar laws that include many more rights than civil unions, including adopting children and inheriting wealth. Known for its progressive attitude, the Netherlands became the first nation to recognize same-sex marriages in 2001. Earlier this year, Iceland followed suit.